To the extent you expect people to act altruistically, you invite unnecessary problems into your life.

Life is so much easier when you understand that you do not have a right to someone’s love, friendship, or respect. All these, and more, must be earned, and if you choose to act contrary to this principle, the result is likely to be frustration and disappointment.

Put simply, the key to getting what you want in life is to focus on actions that create value for others.